Sir, – The Department of Finance’s recent strategy statement (Business This Week, May 12th) indicates that it aims to increase employment, ensure sound finances, raise living standards, address the international debt and restructure the banks. In reality, it will do nothing of the sort as the document also indicates that the department’s role is simply to provide “independent, impartial and well-informed advice” (and about time too). This mixing of altruistic goals and practical actions permeates the document. For example, on Nama it states the department will “insist on the highest standards of transparency in the operation of Nama, on reduction in the costs associated with the operation of Nama, and that decision-making in Nama does not delay the restoration of the Irish property market”.
Sounds impressive, but why didn’t it simply state that it will extend Freedom of Information to Nama, cut outrageous fees paid by Nama and stop it trying to rig the property market? – Yours, etc,